Wednesday, May 11, 2005

Culkin told the court that while he had shared a bed with Jackson, allegations of sexual abuse were "absolutely ridiculous".

He noted that prosecutors had never asked him whether the charges were true, saying he had first heard them on TV.

Culkin admitted that he often slept in Jackson's bed during visits to Neverland in the early 1990s, when he was aged between nine and 14.

He rejected a suggestion by prosecutor Ron Zonen that Jackson may have molested him while he slept.

Quote:

"I find that unlikely..I think I'd realise if something like that would happen."

Adding:

"Somebody told me you should probably check out CNN because they're saying something about you..I just couldn't believe it. It was amazing to me that nobody even approached me and asked if these allegations were true."

It is reported that Michael Jackson has forfeited his $300K bail bond and replaced it with an identical bond, also costing $300K.

Jackson's $3M bail was set a year ago, and was handled by David Perez Bail Bonds of Covina, Calif.

It is normal for bail bondsmen to take a commission, on the bond's first anniversary. However, it is reported that Perez told Jackson's personal attorney, Brian Oxman (who has now been fired from the trial), that there would be no charge.

Despite this, Oxman has forfeited the $300K, and has taken out another bond.

There is no obvious rationale for this unusual action, especially given the fact that Jackson's finances are somewhat "shaky".

The witnesses who testified yesterday in the Michael Jackson trial, contradicted the testimony of earlier witnesses.

They stated that they never saw Jackson act improperly with children at Neverland.

Joe Marcus, the ranch manager, and four other witnesses gave their testimony at the behest of the defence team.

Marcus said that Gavin Arvizo and his family never complained of mistreatment, and were free to leave at any time. Janet Arvizo "seemed to be just enjoying herself," he said.

He noted that Gavin and his brother were "destructive", but were "having fun".

Violet Silva, head of Neverland security in 2003, said that she never saw anything "illegal or inappropriate", nor did she have "no personal knowledge" of kids drinking alcohol at the ranch; that last form of words is well crafted.

Silva said that Gavin and his younger brother found the ignition keys in Jackson's Lincoln Navigator and a ranch van, and took them for joyrides on ranch roads. This was one reason for them not being allowed off the property, she said.

Francine Contreras, a former housemaid, said that the prosecution witness Adrian McManus stole clothes, watches and toys from Jackson.